Research & reports

Indah Nurhidayati, Joko Sutrisno, Agustono Agustono, Refa’ul Khairiyakh, Amalia Nadifta Ulfa, Rhina Uchyani F · RESONA Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian Masyarakat · Indonesia (Surakarta)

From August to October 2020, an urban farming-based activity was conducted in Jebres District, Surakarta City, Indonesia. This activity involved training and demonstrations on processing urban agricultural waste and household waste into liquid organic fertilizer (POC) using the stacked bucket technique. Participants were able to harvest POC after two months, and this POC was stated to be usable as plant fertilizer, contributing to improving the local economy and ecological environment.

Jihan Faouzi, Imane Bedoui, Sanae Rezouki, Tarik Moubchir, Aimad Allali, Noureddine Eloutassi, Amal Lahkimi · Ecological Engineering & Environmental Technology · Morocco (Fez)

This study in Fez, Morocco, compared bacteriological and parasitological contamination in urban, peri-urban, and rural irrigation waters, and their transfer to soil and crops (cardoon and eggplant). Investigated microorganisms included total and thermotolerant coliforms, helminth eggs, Salmonella, and cholera vibrio. Results revealed contamination exceeding national and international standards for both types of coliforms in treated wastewater (TWW), wastewater (WW), Oued Fez water, and upstream well water in both winter and summer. This fecal contamination was found in soils and crops irrigated by urban and peri-urban water. Helminth eggs and cholera vibrio were also present in these waters, soils, and crops, with Salmonella detected in TWW in summer. Only the plot irrigated with Oued Bitit water in the rural zone met standards across all three levels of irrigated water, soil, and plants, and in both periods.

Shiyu Cui, Wenbin Liu, Hexian Jin, Yi Qiao, Ying Wang, Dan Liu · Atmosphere · Global

This study investigated the effects of mixed cropping garden plants (Festuca arundinacea, Ageratum conyzoides, Trifolium repens) with Brassica parachinensis on Cr-contaminated soil remediation. While mixed cropping with Trifolium repens resulted in the highest B. parachinensis yield and Cr content below standard in edible parts, mixed cropping with Ageratum conyzoides aggravated Cr pollution in edible parts of B. parachinensis, making it unsuitable for planting.

Dwi Haryanta, Tatuk Tojibatus Sa’adah, Ristani Widya Inti · Indonesian Collaboration Journal of Community Services (ICJCS) · Indonesia (Surabaya)

In RW 02 Kalirungkut, Surabaya, Indonesia, a community empowerment activity provided knowledge on managing tree pruning waste into useful compost for urban farming practices. The program utilized Participatory Rapid Rural Appraisal and Rapid and Rural Appraisal methods. The community resolved tree pruning waste disposal issues within 3 months and harvested 15 cubic meters of compost, recognizing its economic value.

Kamonashish Haldar, Katarzyna Kujawa-Roeleveld, Tapos Kumar Acharjee, Dilip Kumar Datta, H.H.M. Rijnaarts · The Science of The Total Environment · Bangladesh

This paper assesses urban water as an alternative freshwater resource for irrigation in the Bengal delta, Bangladesh, where coastal plains face irrigation water shortages. Using the FAO AquaCrop model, it was found that 7.4 million m3 of irrigation water is needed for Boro rice during the dry season, while over 8.2 million m3 of urban water is generated. Mismatches between demand and supply occurred in February and March, suggesting a need for water storage capacities and policy changes to facilitate urban water reuse infrastructure.

Wahidyanti Rahayu Hastutiningtyas, Yanti Rosdiana, Fathul Qorib, Murtiyah Murtiyah · Jurnal LENTERA · Indonesia

A project at SDN Tulusrejo 3 in Malang city, Indonesia, aimed to organize the school environment and provide understanding of the Adiwiyata program by arranging the school yard into a waste treatment area to support environmental health. Methods included mapping productive land, counseling, and school garden planning. The project achieved nearly 80% of its goal, resulting in a more organized and comfortable school environment compared to its state before the arrangement.

Jilmar Gustavo Comas Piñere · GACETA DE PEDAGOGÍA · Global

This article, based on a qualitative documentary design, explores the agroecological school garden as a pedagogical scenario to strengthen learning and address environmental sustainability issues. The study aimed to highlight the importance of the educational process in improving student nutrition and quality of life. It concludes that establishing school gardens as an integral "learning by doing" strategy is crucial across all knowledge areas and educational levels.

Shefaza Esmail, Maren Oelbermann · Frontiers in Soil Science · Tanzania (Mwanza)

This study investigated farmer perspectives and compost application for soil management in urban agriculture in Mwanza, Tanzania. Semi-structured interviews with 34 urban farmers revealed concerns about climate change and unpredictable rain, with 82% desiring soil improvements. A field trial showed that organic amendments (poultry manure and food waste compost) improved soil water holding capacity by 14-19% and enhanced microbial biomass 1.7-4 times compared to inorganic nitrogen fertilizer, with comparable crop productivity.

Hayden Hinton · Digital Archive @ GSU · United States (Atlanta)

A study in the Proctor Creek watershed in Atlanta, Georgia, measured field saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) in soils under compaction, urban agricultural use, and lawn maintenance. Urban farming significantly increased soil Kfs (mean 2.2E-4 cm/s) compared to compaction (9.1E-7 cm/s) and lawn maintenance (9.0E-6 cm/s), limiting overland flow. Grain-size distributions showed no significant difference, indicating Kfs was controlled by land-management practices, not soil texture.

Ni Putu Kinsa Destias Wirawan, Frysa Wiriantari, Anak Agung Ayu Sri Ratih Yulianasari · Jurnal Teknik Gradien · Indonesia (Badung)

This qualitative descriptive study explored the design concept for an urban farming training center in Badung Regency, Indonesia. The center adopts an education and tourism concept with a Green Architecture theme, incorporating eco-friendly materials, renewable energy, and water conservation. It aims to promote urban farming methods like hydroponics, biofloc catfish farming, maggot cultivation, and organic waste processing into eco-enzymes.

Abhishek C, Soumya T V, V. Ajith · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · Global

This study evaluated the effect of coir grow bags as an alternative to plastic grow bags on plant growth and yield. Seedlings of amaranthus, tomato, brinjal, chilli, herbs, medicinal plants, and ornamental plants were transplanted into coir grow bags and synthetic grow bags for comparison. Results showed that plants grown in coir grow bags exhibited higher yield and plant height, along with noticeable improvements in visual plant condition, compared to those in synthetic grow bags.

Regina Lucia Santana, Roberto Andreani, João Adalberto Campato, Denise Regina da Costa Aguiar · Revista FSA · Brazil (São Paulo)

This descriptive and transversal field study, conducted at Professora Maria Expedita Silva State School in Mauá, São Paulo, aimed to implement sustainable and community actions using a school garden. The project sought to unite the school and local community in consuming and preserving the garden, fostering environmental responsibility and promoting natural diets. Results showed adolescent engagement in the educational project's sustainable actions, leading to more collaborative attitudes towards their natural environment.

Aurore Guillaume, Anna Hubatová-Vacková, Vladimír Kočí · Agriculture · Czech Republic

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed on several egg-producing subjects in the Czech Republic, representing four main laying systems (enriched cages, barns, free-range, and organic), which were also compared to a community garden system. The study's results suggest that feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed composition, and manure management are the most important factors influencing the total environmental impacts of eggs. Additionally, environmental benefits linked to outdoor access or using organic feed over conventional were observed.

Yayat Sujatna, Widi Hastomo, Ambardi Ambardi · Community Empowerment · Indonesia (Jakarta)

This Community Service program aimed to educate residents of PCM Cengkareng Barat, Jakarta, Indonesia, about plastic waste, recycle plastic waste for microgreens planting media, and encourage urban farming of microgreens to meet family nutrition during the pandemic. The program utilized the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method. The outcome was an increased ability and knowledge among partners regarding plastic waste utilization and new methods for urban farming microgreens.

M.C.G. Haitsma Mulier, F.H.M. Van de Ven, Paul Kirshen · Energy Nexus · Netherlands (Amsterdam), United States (Boston)

This study quantified the Water Energy Nutrient Food (WENF) nexus for three urban farms: a greenhouse in Amsterdam, and a community farm and a container farm in East-Boston. It investigated the water, energy, and nutrient demands of these farms and the availability of resources in urban waters. The study found that the water and nutrient demands (nitrogen and phosphorus) of all three farms could be met by local urban water resources, but energy availability depended on the type of agriculture.

Setha Low · · Global

This chapter examines environmental sustainability and the greening of public spaces in Paris and New York City, tracing the history and impact of interventions like community gardens, urban agriculture, and sustainable parks. These initiatives contribute to ecological sustainability by fostering stronger communities, supporting social reproduction, and promoting environmental justice. The study highlights how human ecological planning and ecosystem services assessments provide scientific strategies for enhancing sustainability in public space design.

Muhammad Sarjan, M. Taufik Fauzi, Ruth Stella P. Thei · Unram Journal of Community Service · Indonesia (Mataram City)

This action research in Mataram City during the COVID-19 pandemic introduced Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to urban farming groups. Group discussions revealed that while participants were interested in developing fresh vegetables and fruits and found benefits in meeting family food needs, most members were unfamiliar with environmentally friendly cultivation techniques, particularly IPM.

Mary Ann N Daculog, Thea P Suaco, Romalyn D Parado · Advances in Agriculture Horticulture and Entomology · Philippines (Baguio City)

This study analyzed the chemical properties of soil in Barangay Lucnab, Baguio City, Philippines, focusing on macronutrient and micronutrient presence. Findings revealed low soil moisture content (27.26% to 33.60%) and strongly acidic pH levels (4.1 to 4.83). Organic matter content was also low (2.71% to 3.45%), suggesting that the soil's acidity may impact nutrient availability and solubility, thereby reducing harvest and productivity.

Scattareggia, Florent, Ancion, Nicolas, Jijakli, Haissam, Crutzen, Nathalie · Open Repository and Bibliography (University of Liège) · Global

This article discusses rooftop greenhouses (RTGs) as a potential solution to global land consumption and increasing food demand. RTGs utilize existing urban roof space, avoiding competition for land, and can form synergies with supporting buildings by using waste heat, CO2, urine, and rainwater, offering environmental benefits. Additionally, urban farming, including RTGs, can provide employment and educational opportunities in urban areas.

Kristiina Valter · Green Energy and Environmental Technology · Global

This paper describes productive blue-green roofs for stormwater management, highlighting features important for sustained environmental benefits. It explains that blue roofs use retention layers to delay or retain stormwater, and combining them with green roofs allows for growing edible crops, offering synergistic benefits. The paper presents case studies and testbeds of various blue and green roof sublayer combinations with edible and non-edible plants, considering design parameters and monitoring systems.

Anna Paltseva, Zhongqi Cheng, Murray B. McBride, Maha Deeb, Sara Perl Egendorf, Peter M. Groffman · Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution · Global

This synthesis paper summarizes current scientific knowledge on lead (Pb) contamination in urban garden soils and provides clear recommendations for assessing actual health risks and limiting exposure. Urban garden soils often contain elevated levels of Pb, mainly from legacy sources, which is a main barrier for urban gardening. Amendments are noted as unreliable for treating contaminated soils to reduce risk, as they do not always make contaminants less harmful.

Monika Egerer, Brenda B. Lin · CABI Reviews · Global

This review evaluated ecosystem services (ES) within urban agriculture (UA) systems and the trade-offs between these services. Urban agriculture provides many benefits and environmental services such as food provision, social cohesion, and climate regulation. However, it was shown that management decisions can create trade-offs between ecosystem services, where an increase in one service may potentially reduce the system's ability to provide another service at a desired level.

Nini Sané, Malick Mbengué, Amandine Laffite, Serge Stoll, John Poté, Philippe Le Coustumer · Water · Global

This study developed a wastewater treatment plant prototype coupled with Moringa oleifera seeds to reduce fecal indicator bacteria and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in domestic wastewater. The prototype alone reduced bacteria by 99.34%. The addition of Moringa oleifera seeds achieved high removal rates for E. coli (36.6–78.8%), fecal coliform (28.3–84.6%), Vibrio cholera (35.3–95.6%), and total flora (32.1–92.4%). For antibiotic-resistant bacteria, removal rates were up to 98% for E. coli and fecal coliform, 100% for Vibrio cholera, and 91.96% for total flora.

Mila Lukmana, Muhammad Helmy Abdillah · Agritech Jurnal Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto · Indonesia

This study, conducted from February to June 2021 in Indonesia, investigated the effect of combining tea dregs and cow dung on tomato plant growth in mineral soil. Using a factorial randomized block design, 16 combinations of tea dregs (0, 10, 20, 30 g/polybag) and cow dung (0, 29.7, 44.5, 74.2 g/polybag) were tested. The results indicated that the A1S3 treatment (10 g/polybag tea dregs and 74.2 g/polybag cow dung) was effective and efficient in increasing plant height, leaf surface area, root growth, and dry weight of tomato plants.

Byoung-Kwon Lee, Hyung-Kwon Yun, In-Kyoung Hong, Young-Bin Jung, Sangmi Lee, Sang-Deok Lee · Journal of people, plants, and environment · Global

This study investigated the effects of French marigold, zinnia, spearmint, and basil as companion plants at 10, 20, and 40 cm spacing on cherry tomato growth and fruit quality. Statistical differences were found in stem thickness and total number of fruits per plant, but not in plant height, total fresh weight of fruits, sugar content, fruit hardness, or vitamin C. Stem thickness decreased when spearmint and basil were planted at 20 cm or 40 cm compared to the control, and only zinnia at 40 cm increased the total number of fruits per plant.